I got my Portuguese visa!

by Gigi Griffis
Porto, Portugal

2021 was a year of change.

In the winter, I left Switzerland for Croatia. By summer, I had my digital nomad visa in Croatia. And by July, I had quietly, hopefully, sent of my application for a long-stay (D7) visa in Portugal. 

I sent it off and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And scrambled when there was one delay, then another. All the while hoping, hoping, hoping for Portugal to become my home base. A place to nestle down, settle in, weave myself into a new culture and language in a long-term way.

I’m happy to say that after nearly half a year of waiting, I finally have my visa. That small passport stamp that gives me permission to stay (and wait some more for my immigration appointment and a residence card).  

And so fall in Portugal has blended into a cheerful, mostly blue-skied winter and I have started learning Portuguese, seeking out my favorite parks, exploring the fresh markets, making friends, and getting to know the country that I now call home.

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a home, and it’s time. 

I’m grateful.

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11 comments

Ali January 3, 2022 - 8:43 am

YAY!!! Congrats! I’m so happy for you that it finally worked out.

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Barb January 3, 2022 - 10:36 am

How wonderful to be settling into a new home! Congratulations!

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Adi Ben Ezer January 3, 2022 - 12:28 pm

So happy for you, and can’t wait to hear more about your journey of acclimatization in beautiful Portugal.
Best of luck!

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Rebecca January 3, 2022 - 12:29 pm

Congratulations! I hope that you can make a more permanent stay in Portugal. Have fun exploring your new home. Take care and good luck. Red tape is always the best hahaha.

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Janice Woodard January 3, 2022 - 12:38 pm

Good luck! We are in the same boat as you, but further south (in the Algarve). Our SEF appointment is February 1st. Looking forward to becoming Portuguese residents.

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Kristen January 3, 2022 - 1:11 pm

Congratulations! More! More!

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Valeria Vincent Sancisi January 3, 2022 - 2:58 pm

Congrats!! Sounds wonderful .. Can’t wait to hear more of your adventures!

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lee January 4, 2022 - 8:07 am

Great to hear you have a new home base.
I hope a future post will compare having a home base while full time traveling is better than changing locations continuously! Enjoy.

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Mike DeAngelis January 4, 2022 - 12:03 pm

Congrats
We have spoken with several expats who have settled in Portugal and are so glad they did .
Where in Portugal did you end up..

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gigigriffis January 4, 2022 - 12:48 pm

I’m in the north – near Porto

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Siobhan January 16, 2022 - 7:07 am

Exciting! Looks like a gorgeous country.

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